How To Prepare For Your Couples Session

Oh heeeey!! This is most likely your first time had professional photos done of you and your significant other. It’s ok to feel awkward or nervous. This blog post will help you to know exactly what to expect so that we are both on the same page! If I have learned anything from relationships it has been how important it is to COMMUNICATE EXPECTATIONS. Ha. You're welcome. 

So let's start off with things you SHOULD do. Do make sure you like my style. (Or whatever photographer you are going with). Most of my shots are candid, my editing is more moody, I like planning the shoot in good lighting (about an hour before sunset). I'm not opposed to jumping a fence, going through the mud, and if there is wind we use it to our advantage (Beyonce style). 

DO wear shoes that are comfortable! I so want to get you guys on that rock in the middle of the lake - but jumping rocks in heels is never a good idea. If it’s a long hike - cute boots are fine! Even hiking boots. If it’s a short hike you could get away with booties. If it's cold outside - dress warm. It will show if you are freezing. 

DO set the mood right before. Being in a relationship…can be so…fun lol. I know. It is so important that you and your partner’s zimzum is not off. Way's to make sure of this - be kind to each other that day. Give yourself extra time to get ready. Have a cocktail before (if you drink). Give all the compliments. Don't bring up any sticky subjects that might lead to an argument. Write each other a love note and then read it on the shoot! Seriously - this is such a good idea. If you are reading this tell your partner that your photographer insist :) Write 3 things that you are most proud of of the other person. Or your 3 favorite things about them. Or 3 reasons why they are your favorite and you want to be with them for a loooong time.

DO be present and 100% yourselves. This is not a senior picture. Or a family shoot. Many couples want to know what they should wear. I love flowy dresses but if you want to wear jeans and a t-shirt then do it! This is an excuse to go by that cute shirt you have been eyeing! As for guys - simple is great. Avoid prints, logos anything too busy. But also, let your style shine! You want to compliment each other with solid colors or prints. I love having an accessory - a hat, or necklace or sweater you can take on and off. If you normally don't wear makeup - then I don't recommend going to MAC and getting a makeover. But if you do and that's when you feel best, then awesome. If I say go in for a kiss. I want you to linger - look at each other, giggle, be in the moment. A lot of times I'm actually looking for that in between shot. Not the actual kiss. I'm looking for the parts of your relationship that are unique to you...which leads me into the "Dont's."

DON'T spend a ton of time on Pinterest and then show up trying to recreate an image. Nothing wrong with Pinterest for Inspiration! I know there are a ton of awesome ideas on there - but/also we are trying to create something new. Something unique to your love. Totally fine to create a Pinterest board - in fact, if you do make one - send it to me. What are you attracted to? What colors or saying? Are you more into tattoos, motorcycles, and leather? Or wildflowers, lace and nature? Maybe your partner loves to give you kisses on the neck or they make you tea every morning or you always walk to a certain book store. What are the quirks of your love? Think about this before the shoot. Also if you are more of a “let’s grab pizza and wine downtown” kind of couple - let’s do that! Not every session happens on top of a mountain.

DON'T look at the camera and smile. If I tell you to look at me and smile, then great, but otherwise just be natural. This is not about your connection with ME  - this is about your connection with each other! 

DOGS: I totally get wanting to bring your pup (or multiple pups!) along for the shoot. And YOU CAN! I have had so much fun with some well behaved doggos on shoots. Some things to consider - do you want them in every photo? Can you tie them up or leave them in the car for part of it? Are they going to want to jump off the cliff? Will you be distracted? If you do decide to bring your dog - just give me a heads up and bring treats :)

Expectations:

I am there for you. If you have ideas then please share - this is a collaboration. We are creating together. I will make sure to help guide you into the unposed poses. And usually the first 15 minutes or so we can just talk and hang out.  It is important to be on time as I am planning around the light. If you would like to bring an outfit change that’s great! Just be aware that their may not be a bathroom to change in at the top of the mountain ;) but we can find a tree to hide behind! You are welcome to bring a backpack of course with water, snacks, an extra outfit - but just know I will be stopping you a lot a long the way to get shots without it! Most shoots last around an hour depending on if we are hiking or not. If they go an hour and a half that is fine. I am in no rush and please don't plan something right after that you must be at - I am never looking at the time during couples shoots and don't want you to be worried about being late to something. As far as multiple locations go I am totally down if they are in close proximity and within the time frame! There is a travel fee for locations that are more than 45 minutes from Denver.

Let's have fun!!! I am always up for an adventure. And can't wait to get some awesome pictures along the way!